 |
Introduction |
| |
The modern classification is simply an extension of the system of classification proposed by Carolus Linnaeus. Linnaeus introduced four categories namely class, order, genus and species in each of the two kingdoms proposed by him - the plant kingdom and the animal kingdom. |
|
The Linnaean Hierarchy |
| |
The Linnaean system of classification consists of a hierarchy of graded taxonomic (named) ranks that are called as taxa. Any given taxon (singular) may contain several lower taxa, which can be usually distinguished based on certain common characteristics. Such lower ranks may in turn be divided into a succession of progressively smaller ranks. |
|
Binomial Nomenclature |
| |
It is the system of giving a scientific name to an animal or a plant, an outstanding system contributed by Carolus Linnaeus. According to this system, any given animal or plant is given a scientific name consisting of two words. The first word refers to name of the genus while the second word refers to the name of the species. |
|
Two Kingdom Classification |
| |
The natural system of classification has been subjected to periodic reviewing as a result of the continuous input of information and new scientific tools being available on various aspects of living organisms. Various schemes of classification are now available, each having certain merits and demerits. One of the earliest scheme of natural system classification is the two-kingdom classification proposed by Carolus Linnaeus in 1758. |
|
Five Kingdom Classification |
| |
The present trend in biology is to follow the five kingdom classification proposed by R.H.Whittaker in the year 1969. |
|
Summary |
| |
The modern classification is an extension of the system of classification proposed by Carolus Linnaeus. The present system of classification involves a series of graded taxonomic ranks called taxa which include phylum and family in addition to the four taxa introduced by Linnaeus. |
